Patent Application
20240212438
Gaming machines, such as video lottery terminals (VLT) and/or electronic gaming machines (EGMs) may include multiple games installed thereon. Operators of VLTs and/or EGMs may select less than all of the installed games to be accessible to players. Each operator. Determining which of the games should be included in a set of game to be presented to the player may be difficult for operators to do effectively.
According to some embodiments, a system includes a processor circuit and a memory having machine-readable instructions. When executed by the processor circuit, the machine-readable instruction cause the processor circuit to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to an operator processor circuit that is configured to manage multiple gaming devices that are configured to provide a player with a subset of games of a total set of games. Managing the multiple games includes selecting the subset of games. The processor circuit is further caused to receive, from the operator processor circuit and via the GUI, an indication of which of the games are in the subset of games and determine data corresponding to multiple factors that affect which games are in the subset of games. The processor circuit is further caused to transmit, to the operator processor circuit and via the GUI, a recommendation that is based on the factors and that includes a suggested game in the subset of games that are selectable by the player.
According to some embodiments, a gaming device includes a processor circuit, and a memory. The memory includes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to receive a login request that includes login credentials from an operator processor circuit. The processor circuit is caused to evaluate the login credentials and, in response to determining that the login credentials are sufficient, to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to the operator processor circuit. The operator processor circuit is configured to manage multiple gaming devices that are configured to provide a player with a subset of games in a set of games. In some embodiments, managing the games includes selecting the subset of games. The processor circuit may be further caused to receive, from the operator processor circuit, an indication of a first game of the subset of games. The processor circuit is further caused to determine data corresponding to multiple of external factors and an identity of the first game and to transmit, to the operator processor circuit, multiple recommended games for use with the first game based on the first game and the data corresponding to the plurality of external factors.
According to some embodiments, a method includes providing a graphical user interface (GUI) to an operator processor circuit. The operator processor circuit is configured to manage multiple gaming devices that are configured to provide a player with a subset of games of multiple games. Managing multiple games includes selecting the subset of games. Operations include receiving, from the operator processor circuit and via the GUI, an indication of which of the games are in the subset of games and determining data corresponding to multiple factors that affect which games are in the subset of games. Operations may include transmitting, to the operator processor circuit and via the GUI, a recommendation that is based on the factors and that includes a suggested game in the subset of games that are selectable by the player and receiving, from the operator processor circuit, player session data that includes data corresponding to the player experience. Operations may further include transmitting an updated recommendation to the operator processor circuit based on the player session data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Some embodiments provide that a gaming device such as a video lottery terminal (VLT) or an electronic gaming machine (EGM) may be capable of providing a player with a recommended set of games that the operator may select from. In some embodiments, the gaming operator may determine which games are offered to which gaming device. For example, the operator may have a much larger set of games to offer the player to choose from than the games provided on any given gaming device.
As provided herein, a game set recommender may provide recommendations regarding which games are included in a game set that is available on a gaming device. In some embodiments the operator may select a first game for a game set in the game set recommender may recommend other games based on the first game selected by the operator. For example, the operator may select one or more games that are considered to be popular or higher profile and the recommender may recommend additional games to be included in the game set based on the game selected by the operator.
In some embodiments, the game set recommender may select games to be recommended based on the risk tolerance of the player. For example, a player with a low risk tolerance may be provided with games having less volatility. In contrast, the player with a high risk tolerance may be provided with games having greater volatility.
In addition to volatility, other factors for recommending game sets may include whether it's nighttime or daytime outside, the time of day, the day of the week, whether it's a weekday or weekend, and/or type of game, among others. For example, type of game may include video poker title keno title, traditional spinning reels, the bonus game, the base games, corresponding to specific numbers, weather, quantity of reels, level of interaction, screen orientation such as, landscaped or portrait, and/or quantity of screens, among others. Other factors include layouts of pay lines, special symbols, quantity of lines, pay tables, the historical performance of a game title, the age of game title and/or the number of markets that the game title may be installed in and/or game denomination, whether the game is a licensed title or not, among others.
Additionally, in some embodiments, types of information that may factor into the game set recommendation include a color palette corresponding to the colors of a game cabinet and/or features that are visible in the proximity of the gaming device. Factors may further include recent performance of financial markets, the current political landscape and/or temporal proximity to give the events. Such events may include concerts, sporting events and/or trade shows, among others. In some embodiments, games that may be changed based on data corresponding to the number of potential patrons entering into premises and/or a municipality. For example, a game set may change based on the quantity of transportation vehicles arriving at gaming jurisdiction/location based on the concept that incoming patrons may be drawn to certain types of games.
Additionally, some factors may be specific to the given player. Factors include frequency of betting, alcohol consumption, risk tolerance, historical playtime, and/or game loyalty, among others.
In some embodiments, game set recommender may include a server is operable to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that the operator may log into. Operators may include retailer sites, operator markets and/or individual operators that may own multiple sites. Once the operator logs into the GUI, the operator may provide current game set to the game set recommender. The game set recommender may present the operators with optimal lineups of games based on one or more of the factors described herein. In some embodiments, in response to the operator picking the first game, the game set recommender may recommend the remaining games to be included in the game set. In some embodiments, the game set recommender may be located proximate the operator, while in other embodiments the game set recommender may be located remote from the operator. In some embodiments, the game set recommender may receive game data from the operator, outside data sources, and/or from the gaming devices, directly and/or indirectly.
Some embodiments provide that a gaming arcade may include 25 to 50 or more gaming devices. Such locations may provide available game set selection diversity. In locations having 5 or fewer gaming devices may still have large game sets. In some embodiments, different game sets may be provided as separate banks of gaming devices that may be arranged into groups that may cater to certain players.
In some embodiments, each of the gaming devices may include game set recommender logic that may be operative to cause the machine to offer a game set to the player based on data corresponding to the player. Such data may be determined by the gaming device. In some embodiments, the player data is determined based on historical activity of the player that is available via a player account that is accessed when the player logs into the gaming device. Some embodiments provide that the player data is determined based on player actions during the current wagering session.
Some embodiments provide that the game set recommendation may be evolutionary in that gaming device may start off with a game set that is recommended to the operator based on nonplayer specific factors and/or characteristics. Once the player starts playing, the game set recommendation may be revised based on data received while the players playing.
In some embodiments, a group of players may be playing different games and/or may have different game sets. In such embodiments, one of the group of players may decide that they want to play the same game as another member in the group. In this embodiment, the game set recommender may recommend the same game set and/or game for all or more than one of the players. In some embodiments this recommendation may include analysis to determine other game set recommendations.
While the gaming device may store 50 or more games, it is realized that exposing that many games to a player may be overwhelming and/or confusing to the player. As such, it may be beneficial to switch certain off games. In this manner, a delay causing download may be avoided.
Some embodiments provide that once a player logs into a gaming device, performance data corresponding to the location and/or region that the player is in may be analyzed. Based on the analysis, an initial set of games may be presented. In some embodiments certain games may be turned on and other games turned off to provide better matches.
Additionally, the game set recommender may be adaptive and may suggest other games to the player if the player's conduct indicates that the player is planning to cash out. In addition to recommending new games and/or game sets, the player may be enticed to stay and spend remaining and/or additional credits.
Referring now to
A wireless access point 60 provides wireless access to the data communication network 50. The wireless access point 60 may be connected to the data communication network 50 as illustrated in
A player tracking server 45 may also be connected through the data communication network 50. The player tracking server 45 may manage a player tracking account that tracks the player's gameplay and spending and/or other player preferences and customizations, manages loyalty awards for the player, manages funds deposited or advanced on behalf of the player, and other functions. Player information managed by the player tracking server 45 may be stored in a player information database 47.
As further illustrated in
As further illustrated in
In some embodiments, the operator server 75 may communicate with a game set recommender 70 that is configured to provide recommendations to the operator server 75 regarding games in game sets that are available to the player at the gaming devices 100. In some embodiments, the game set recommender 70 receives data from the operator server 75 that indicates which game or games are to be selected for the gaming devices 100. In some embodiments, the game set recommender 70 may receive game set information from the gaming devices 100.
The gaming devices 100 communicate with one or more elements of the gaming system 10 to coordinate providing wagering games and other functionality. For example, in some embodiments, the gaming device 100 may communicate directly with the ticket server 90 over a wireless interface 62, which may be a WiFi link, a Bluetooth link, a near field communications (NFC) link, etc. In other embodiments, the gaming device 100 may communicate with the data communication network 50 (and devices connected thereto, including other gaming devices 100) over a wireless interface 64 with the wireless access point 60. The wireless interface 64 may include a WiFi link, a Bluetooth link, an NFC link, etc. In still further embodiments, the gaming devices 100 may communicate simultaneously with both the ticket server 90 over the wireless interface 66 and the wireless access point 60 over the wireless interface 64. Some embodiments provide that gaming devices 100 may communicate with other gaming devices over a wireless interface 64. In these embodiments, wireless interface 62, wireless interface 64 and wireless interface 66 may use different communication protocols and/or different communication resources, such as different frequencies, time slots, spreading codes, etc.
Embodiments herein may include different types of gaming devices. One example of a gaming device includes a gaming device 100 that can use gesture and/or touch- based inputs according to various embodiments is illustrated in
Gaming devices 100 typically include a number of standard features, many of which are illustrated in
The gaming device 100 illustrated in
The player tracking display 142 may be used to display a service window that allows the player to interact with, for example, their player loyalty account to obtain features, bonuses, comps, etc. In other embodiments, additional display screens may be provided beyond those illustrated in
The gaming device 100 may further include a number of input devices 130 that allow a player to provide various inputs to the gaming device 100, either before, during or after a game has been played. The gaming device may further include a game play initiation button 132 and a cashout button 134. The cashout button 134 is utilized to receive a cash payment or any other suitable form of payment corresponding to a quantity of remaining credits of a credit display.
In some embodiments, one or more input devices of the gaming device 100 are one or more game play activation devices that are each used to initiate a play of a game on the gaming device 100 or a sequence of events associated with the gaming device 100 following appropriate funding of the gaming device 100. The example gaming device 100 illustrated in
In some embodiments, one or more input device 130 of the gaming device 100 may include wagering or betting functionality. For example, a maximum wagering or betting function may be provided that, when utilized, causes a maximum wager to be placed. Another such wagering or betting function is a repeat the bet device that, when utilized, causes the previously-placed wager to be placed. A further such wagering or betting function is a bet one function. A bet is placed upon utilization of the bet one function. The bet is increased by one credit each time the bet one device is utilized. Upon the utilization of the bet one function, a quantity of credits shown in a credit display (as described below) decreases by one, and a number of credits shown in a bet display (as described below) increases by one.
In some embodiments, as shown in
Referring briefly to
Referring again to
The display devices 116, 118, 140 and video controller 30 of the gaming device 100 are generally configured to display one or more game and/or non-game images, symbols, and indicia. In certain embodiments, the display devices 116, 118, 140 of the gaming device 100 are configured to display any suitable visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects; dynamic lighting; video images; images of people, characters, places, things, and faces of cards; and the like. In certain embodiments, the display devices 116, 118, 140 of the gaming device 100 are configured to display one or more virtual reels, one or more virtual wheels, and/or one or more virtual dice. In other embodiments, certain of the displayed images, symbols, and indicia are in mechanical form. That is, in these embodiments, the display device 116, 118, 140 includes any electromechanical device, such as one or more rotatable wheels, one or more reels, and/or one or more dice, configured to display at least one or a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols, or indicia.
The gaming device 100 also includes various features that enable a player to deposit credits in the gaming device 100 and withdraw credits from the gaming device 100, such as in the form of a payout of winnings, credits, etc. For example, the gaming device 100 may include a bill/ticket dispenser 136, a bill/ticket acceptor 128, and a coin acceptor 126 that allows the player to deposit coins into the gaming device 100.
As illustrated in
The gaming device 100 may further include one or more speakers 150 controlled by one or more sound cards 28 (
In various embodiments, the gaming device 100 may generate dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices 116, 118, 140 to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players to the gaming device 100 and/or to engage the player during gameplay. In certain embodiments, the gaming device 100 may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages during idle periods to attract potential players to the gaming device 100. The videos may be customized to provide any appropriate information.
The gaming device 100 may further include a card reader 138 that is configured to read magnetic stripe cards, such as player loyalty/tracking cards, chip cards, and the like. In some embodiments, a player may insert an identification card into a card reader of the gaming device. In some embodiments, the identification card is a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals (or related data) and other relevant information. In other embodiments, a player may carry a portable device, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device, which communicates a player's identification, credit totals (or related data) and other relevant information to the gaming device. In some embodiments, money may be transferred to a gaming device through electronic funds transfer. When a player funds the gaming device, the processing circuit determines the amount of funds entered and displays the corresponding amount on the credit or other suitable display as described above.
In some embodiments, the gaming device 100 may include an electronic payout device or module configured to fund an electronically recordable identification card or smart card or a bank or other account via an electronic funds transfer to or from the gaming device 100.
Various components of the gaming device 100 are illustrated in
The gaming device 100 further includes a memory device 14 that stores one or more functional modules 20. Various functional modules 20 of the gaming device 100 will be described in more detail below in connection with
The memory device 14 may store program code and instructions, executable by the processing circuit 12, to control the gaming device 100. The memory device 14 may also store other data such as image data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or information and applicable game rules that relate to the play of the gaming device. The memory device 14 may include random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (ARAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. In some embodiments, the memory device 14 may include read only memory (ROM). In some embodiments, the memory device 14 may include flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein.
The gaming device 100 may further include a data storage 22, such as a hard disk drive or flash memory. The data storage 22 may store program data, player data, audit trail data or any other type of data. The data storage 22 may include a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, Digital Video Disc (“DVD”) or USB memory device.
The gaming device 100 may include a communication adapter 26 that enables the gaming device 100 to communicate with remote devices over a wired and/or wireless communication network, such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), cellular communication network, or other data communication network. The communication adapter 26 may further include circuitry for supporting short range wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth and/or NFC that enable the gaming device 100 to communicate, for example, with a mobile communication device operated by a player.
The gaming device 100 may include one or more internal or external communication ports that enable the processing circuit 12 to communicate with and to operate with internal or external peripheral devices, such as eye tracking devices, position tracking devices, cameras, accelerometers, arcade sticks, bar code readers, bill validators, biometric input devices, bonus devices, button panels, card readers, coin dispensers, coin hoppers, display screens or other displays or video sources, expansion buses, information panels, keypads, lights, mass storage devices, microphones, motion sensors, motors, printers, reels, Small Computer System Interface (“SCSI”) ports, solenoids, speakers, thumb drives, ticket readers, touch screens, trackballs, touchpads, wheels, and wireless communication devices. In some embodiments, internal or external peripheral devices may communicate with the processing circuit through a USB hub (not shown) connected to the processing circuit 12.
In some embodiments, the gaming device 100 may include a sensor, such as a camera 127, in communication with the processing circuit 12 (and possibly controlled by the processing circuit 12) that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device 100 and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device 100. In one embodiment, the camera 127 may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable format. The display devices 116, 118, 140 may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera 127 as well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera 127 may acquire an image of the player and the processing circuit 12 may incorporate that image into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
Various functional modules of that may be stored in a memory device 14 of a gaming device 100 are illustrated in
In some embodiments, a gaming device 100 includes a personal device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile device, a tablet computer or computing device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other portable computing devices. In some embodiments, the gaming device 100 may be operable over a wireless network, such as part of a wireless gaming system. In such embodiments, the gaming machine may be a hand-held device, a mobile device or any other suitable wireless device that enables a player to play any suitable game at a variety of different locations. It should be appreciated that a gaming device or gaming machine as disclosed herein may be a device that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission.
For example, referring to
Although illustrated as certain gaming devices, such as electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and mobile gaming devices, functions and/or operations as described herein may also include wagering stations that may include electronic game tables, conventional game tables including those involving cards, dice and/or roulette, and/or other wagering stations such as sports book stations, video poker games, skill-based games, virtual casino-style table games, or other casino or non-casino style games. Further, gaming devices according to embodiments herein may be implemented using other computing devices and mobile devices, such as smart phones, tablets, and/or personal computers, among others.
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
The processor circuit may be caused to receive (Block 404), from the operator processor circuit and via the GUI an indication of which of the total set of games are in the subset of games.
The processor circuit may further be caused to determine (Block 406) data corresponding to multiple factors that affect which games are in and/or are recommended to be in the subset of games for each gaming device.
The processor circuit may be caused to transmit (Block 408), to the operator processor circuit and via the GUI, a recommendation that is based on the factors and that includes a suggested game in the subset of games that are selectable by the player.
In some embodiments, the factors include external factors that are unrelated to the gaming devices. For example, some embodiments provide that the external factors include data corresponding to when the subset of games is to be played and/or selectable to be played. In such embodiments, when the subset is to be played includes time of day, whether its nighttime or daytime, day of the week, how long the player has been playing a given gaming device, and/or what the month or season is.
In some embodiments, the factors may include a time proximity of an event that is unrelated to when the subset of games is to be played and/or is available to be selected to be played. Examples of events include entertainment events such as a sporting event, a concert, a live or prerecorded show, and/or a trade show, among others.
In some embodiments, the external factors include people traffic data corresponding to potential players. For example, data corresponding to transportation activity of people arriving from specific jurisdictions and/or using specific types of transportation may indicate types of potential players coming to play the gaming devices. Such data may be used to determine which games to recommend in the subsets of games on gaming devices.
Some embodiments provide that the factors include an indication corresponding to player risk tolerance relative to game volatility. In such embodiments, in response to the player indicating a given risk tolerance, the recommendation includes a game having a volatility that corresponds to the given risk tolerance. In some embodiments, in response to the player indicating the given risk tolerance, the recommendation may include a first game having a first volatility and a second game having a second volatility that is different from the first volatility.
In some embodiments, the factors include environmental factors corresponding to an environment of the plurality of gaming devices. For example, environmental factors may include visual and/or audible factors that are proximate a corresponding one of the gaming devices. Examples include colors, sounds, gaming device appearance, and/or surrounding gaming devices, among others.
In some embodiments, the factors include game content of the subset of games. Some embodiments provide that a first game of the set of games includes a first game type and a second game of the set of games includes a second type that is different from the first game type. In such embodiments, the first and second game types are one of a video poker game, a keno- style game and a spinning reel game.
Some embodiments provide that the factors include historical game performance of one or more of the games. In some embodiments, the factors include whether any of the games are licensed games. In some embodiments, the factors include societal factors such as political and/or economic conditions, among others.
In some embodiments, the processor circuit is further caused to receive (Block 410), from the operator processor circuit and via the GUI, player session data. Some embodiments provide that the player session data includes data corresponding to the player experience player on one or more of the subset of games.
Some embodiments provide that, responsive to the data corresponding to the player experience, the operator processor circuit is caused to offer (Block 412) the player a different game than one of the subset of games.
In some embodiments, the processor circuit is further caused to transmit (Block 414) an updated recommendation to the operator processor circuit based on the player session data.
Reference is now made to
In some embodiments, the recommended games include a first recommended game having a first volatility and a second recommended game having a second volatility that is different from the first volatility. Some embodiments provide that the recommended games include first recommended game having a first denomination and a second recommended game having a second denomination that is different from the first denomination.
Reference is now made to
Embodiments described herein may be implemented in various configurations for gaming devices 100, including but not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming device, wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming device) are provided with the gaming device prior to delivery to a gaming establishment; and (2) a changeable gaming device, where the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming device) are downloadable to the gaming device through a data network when the gaming device is in a gaming establishment. In some embodiments, the computerized instructions for controlling any games are executed by at least one central server, central controller or remote host. In such a “thin client” embodiment, the central server remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) and the gaming device is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces) and receive one or more inputs or commands from a player. In another embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games are communicated from the central server, central controller or remote host to a gaming device local processor and memory devices. In such a “thick client” embodiment, the gaming device local processor executes the communicated computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces) provided to a player.
In some embodiments, a gaming device may be operated by a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone, tablet other mobile computing device. For example, a mobile device may be communicatively coupled to a gaming device and may include a user interface that receives user inputs that are received to control the gaming device. The user inputs may be received by the gaming device via the mobile device.
In some embodiments, one or more gaming devices in a gaming system may be thin client gaming devices and one or more gaming devices in the gaming system may be thick client gaming devices. In another embodiment, certain functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thin client environment and certain other functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thick client environment. In one such embodiment, computerized instructions for controlling any primary games are communicated from the central server to the gaming device in a thick client configuration and computerized instructions for controlling any secondary games or bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin client configuration.
The present disclosure contemplates a variety of different gaming systems each having one or more of a plurality of different features, attributes, or characteristics. It should be appreciated that a “gaming system” as used herein refers to various configurations of: (a) one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts; (b) one or more gaming devices; and/or (c) one or more personal gaming devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers or computing devices, PDAs, mobile telephones such as smart phones, and other mobile computing devices.
In certain such embodiments, computerized instructions for controlling any games (such as any primary or base games and/or any secondary or bonus games) displayed by the gaming device are executed by the central server, central controller, or remote host. In such “thin client” embodiments, the central server, central controller, or remote host remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) displayed by the gaming device, and the gaming device is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces) and to receive one or more inputs or commands. In other such embodiments, computerized instructions for controlling any games displayed by the gaming device are communicated from the central server, central controller, or remote host to the gaming device and are stored in at least one memory device of the gaming device. In such “thick client” embodiments, the at least one processor of the gaming device executes the computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces) displayed by the gaming device.
In some embodiments in which the gaming system includes: (a) a gaming device configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network; and/or (b) a plurality of gaming devices configured to communicate with one another through a data network, the data network is an internet or an intranet. In certain such embodiments, an internet browser of the gaming device is usable to access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection is available. In one such embodiment, after the internet game page is accessed, the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies a player prior to enabling that player to place any wagers on any plays of any wagering games. In one example, the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies the player by requiring a player account of the player to be logged into via an input of a unique username and password combination assigned to the player. It should be appreciated, however, that the central server, central controller, or remote host may identify the player in any other suitable manner, such as by validating a player tracking identification number associated with the player; by reading a player tracking card or other smart card inserted into a card reader (as described below); by validating a unique player identification number associated with the player by the central server, central controller, or remote host; or by identifying the gaming device, such as by identifying the MAC address or the IP address of the internet facilitator. In various embodiments, once the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies the player, the central server, central controller, or remote host enables placement of one or more wagers on one or more plays of one or more primary or base games and/or one or more secondary or bonus games, and displays those plays via the internet browser of the gaming device.
It should be appreciated that the central server, central controller, or remote host and the gaming device are configured to connect to the data network or remote communications link in any suitable manner. In various embodiments, such a connection is accomplished via: a conventional phone line or other data transmission line, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a T-1 line, a coaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, a wireless or wired routing device, a mobile communications network connection (such as a cellular network or mobile internet network), or any other suitable medium. It should be appreciated that the expansion in the quantity of computing devices and the quantity and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to use a variety of gaming devices to play games from an ever- increasing quantity of remote sites. It should also be appreciated that the enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with players.
In the above-description of various embodiments, various aspects may be illustrated and described herein in any of a number of patentable classes or contexts including any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or by combining software and hardware implementation that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” “component,” or “system.” Furthermore, various embodiments described herein may take the form of a computer program product including one or more computer readable media having computer readable program code embodied thereon.
Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be used. The computer readable media may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an appropriate optical fiber with a repeater, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program code embodied on a computer readable signal medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, radio frequency (“RF”), etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Scala, Smalltalk, Eiffel, JADE, Emerald, C++, C#, VB.NET, Python or the like, conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language, Visual Basic, Fortran 2003, Perl, Common Business Oriented Language (“COBOL”) 2002, PHP: Hypertext Processor (“PHP”), Advanced Business Application Programming (“ABAP”), dynamic programming languages such as Python, Ruby and Groovy, or other programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider) or in a cloud computing environment or offered as a service such as a Software as a Service (SaaS).
Various embodiments were described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), devices and computer program products according to various embodiments described herein. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processing circuit of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processing circuit of the computer or other programmable instruction execution apparatus, create a mechanism for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that when executed can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions when stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which when executed, cause a computer to implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable instruction execution apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatuses or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising.” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be designated as “/”. Like reference numbers signify like elements throughout the description of the figures.
Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.
